Conversations in the foyer

Granny's meetings

Before you sit down, follow Granny as she welcomes history's voices into our quiet place.

Granny opens the conversation. You continue when you are ready.

Granny and Charles Dickens sitting opposite each other in a warm library with a lit candle between them.

Featured meeting Granny meets Charles Dickens Granny sits down with Charles Dickens by the fire and talks about poverty, warmth, humor, the shadows of childhood, and why stories can outlive their own time. Read the interview

All meetings

Read Granny's first conversation, then step into the room yourself.

Granny and Charles Dickens sitting opposite each other in a warm library with a lit candle between them.

author Granny meets Charles Dickens Granny sits down with Charles Dickens by the fire and talks about poverty, warmth, humor, the shadows of childhood, and why stories can outlive their own time. Read the interview

Granny and H.C. Andersen sit in a bright room. Andersen carefully cuts a piece of paper while Granny listens attentively.

author Granny meets H.C. Andersen Granny invites the storyteller from Nyhavn inside. A conversation about feeling like an outsider, paper cuttings, the beauty of melancholy, and the courage to wait for one's swan feathers. Read the interview

Granny and Poul Martin Møller sit across from each other in Granny's corner with lit candles and an open book.

philosopher Granny meets Poul Martin Møller Granny welcomes philosopher Poul Martin Møller into the warmth. A conversation about the confusion of life, the value of a good book, a glass of wine, and the art of finding peace in uncertainty. Read the interview

Granny and William Shakespeare sit opposite each other by a crackling fire. Shakespeare listens attentively with a gentle, empathetic smile.

playwright Granny meets William Shakespeare Granny invites history's greatest playwright to her fire. A conversation about life's roles, the madness of love, and how to find meaning when one's own stage echoes empty. Read the interview

Granny and Carl Michael Bellman sit across from each other in Granny's corner. Bellman holds a wine glass in his hand and laughs heartily.

poet Granny meets Bellman Granny invites the 18th century's greatest troubadour to her corner by the fire. A conversation about life's short song, the joy in a glass of wine, and how to best dance on the edge of the grave. Read the interview

Granny sits safely in her armchair while Henrik Wergeland stands in front of the fireplace, gesturing passionately.

poet Granny meets Henrik Wergeland Granny invites Norway's magnificent poet to her corner by the fire. A conversation about inner storms, the power of freedom, and how to find the courage to stand firm when the winds blow cold. Read the interview

Granny and H.G. Wells sit across from each other in a cozy room. A brass telescope can be seen in the background, and a candle burns between them.

author Granny meets H.G. Wells Granny invites the author and visionary H.G. Wells. A conversation about the infinity of time, the silent comfort of the stars, and how to find hope when the world changes too fast. Read the interview

Granny and Emily Dickinson sit close together by the fire. Emily, dressed in white, listens softly with her hands in her lap.

poet Granny meets Emily Dickinson Granny invites the shy poet from Amherst for a moment by the fire. A soft, whispering conversation about the beauty of sorrow, the courtesy of death, and how the soul breathes best in silence. Read the interview

Granny and Alexandros Papadiamantis sit across from each other in a simple room lit by an oil lamp. Papadiamantis wears a dark coat and has a mild, thoughtful expression.

author Granny meets Alexandros Papadiamantis Granny welcomes the author from Skiathos to her corner by the fire. A conversation about the sacred in the small things, the comfort of the sea, and how sorrow and joy always walk hand in hand. Read the interview

Granny sits calmly with her teacup while Nikos Kazantzakis stands in front of the window, his gaze fixed far beyond the horizon, filled with indomitable energy.

writer Granny meets Nikos Kazantzakis Granny invites a Cretan soul on fire. A conversation about refusing to let the soul sleep, finding freedom in the storm, and why man was made to climb, not to rest. Read the interview

Granny carefully pours tea while Plutarch sits calmly leaning back in the armchair with a rolled-up papyrus in his lap, smiling with profound understanding.

historian Granny meets Plutarch Granny invites the great biographer of antiquity. A conversation about historical belonging, how even emperors wept in the dark, and the comfort in knowing that your everyday struggles make you a hero. Read the interview

Granny and Laozi sit opposite each other. A steaming teapot stands between them. Laozi smiles gently with half-closed eyes.

master Granny meets Laozi Granny invites the mythical founder of Daoism for a cup of tea. A gentle conversation about swimming with the current, the strength of letting go, and the art of finding peace in what is. Read the interview

Granny smiles warmly and offers a cup of coffee, while Gustave Flaubert, with his stately mustache, sits leaning heavily back, looking as if he can finally exhale.

author Granny meets Gustave Flaubert Granny invites a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of the perfect word. A conversation about exhaustion, escapism, and why it is sometimes vital to simply close the door on reality. Read the interview

Granny sits calmly in her armchair while Marcus Aurelius, dressed in his Roman wool cloak, sits opposite her at the table with a thoughtful expression.

emperor Granny meets Marcus Aurelius Granny welcomes the emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius to her fire. A conversation about life's storms, how to build an inner citadel, and finding peace when everything around is in chaos. Read the interview

Granny pours tea while Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna studies a small antique clay cylinder with a fascinated, warm smile.

princess Granny meets Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna Granny invites the world's very first museum curator. A conversation about why we save old things, the love for objects that carry stories, and the art of preserving a memory for eternity. Read the interview

Granny sits smiling mildly with her teacup while the mighty King Gilgamesh leans forward from his chair, his eyes filled with deep, shared sorrow.

king Granny meets Gilgamesh Granny invites humanity's oldest hero. An intense, warm conversation about the rage of losing someone, why it is okay to scream at the stars, and how memory becomes our ultimate victory over death. Read the interview

Granny listens with curiosity as Eratosthenes draws a circle on the table and explains his idea with a warm, almost boyish smile.

chief librarian Granny Meets Eratosthenes Granny welcomes Eratosthenes from Alexandria’s Mouseion. A warm conversation about curiosity, how to approach what feels incomprehensible in life, and why it can be an honor to remain a student. Read the interview